Syllabus for Ecotoxicology

Learning outcomes

The main objective of the course is to give the students knowledge and skills that allow an overall assessment of the fate of foreign chemicals in the environment and of their effects on different biological organisation levels. To that end, the conceptual framework introduced during the course in toxicology will be further developed and used.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• describe sources and fates of chemicals in the environment
• present and explain mechanisms for adverse effects of chemicals
• estimate the risk for adverse effects of a chemical on different biological organisation levels based on knowledge about the toxicity, degradability, and bioavailability of the chemical
• retrieve and critically evaluate toxicological information from different sources (internet-based databases, hand books, scientific articles)
• independently carry out, and present orally and in writing , classification and labelling of chemicals dangerous for the environment
• independently carry out, and present orally and in writing, environmental risk assessment of chemicals

Content

Environmental chemistry: This part comprises an overview of different chemical groups of anthropogenic origin present in the environment. Focus is on their sources and fates in the environment.

Effects of anthropogenic chemicals: This part comprises negative effects of chemicals on different biological organisation levels (cell, organ, organism, population, ecosystem) with focus on mechanisms. An experimental study is carried out.

Hazard assessment: This part comprises retrieval and critical evaluation of toxicological information from different sources (internet-based databases, hand books, scientific articles etc.) for classification and labelling of chemicals. The students perform an individual project on classification and labelling of chemicals dangerous for the environment according to EU guidelines.

Environmental risk assessment: This part comprises environmental risk assessments of chemicals and is done as projects.

Instruction

The teaching is given as lectures, seminars, a laboratory practical, exercises and theoretical project work. Active participation in all parts of the laboratory practical and the theoretical project work is compulsory. The course includes integrated communication training.

Assessment

Modules: Theory 8 credits; Project work 7 credits

The theory is examined through written examination. The module project work is examined through written and oral presentations and critical evaluation of other course participants' project reports.